Staying Safe in a Stair Lift

Stair lifts were first developed in the early 1920′s but they did not become popular until many years later. Modern lifts are much more advanced than the models developed in the beginning of the 20^th

century. They are used in homes and businesses to carry a person across the stairs.

These mobility lifting aids are able to support a good deal of weight and on a straight stairway, they can be installed inexpensively and for considerably less than an elevator could be. They typically use a track and car system, in which a metal track is attached to the stairs and then a car, which holds the person, travels along the track. While this track is most often attached onto the stairs directly, in some cases, like in the event of a very narrow staircase, the track is instead attached onto the wall.

If you have a straight stairway, then a stair lift is usually very easy to install. Several manufacturers, like AmeriGlide Inc., make kits that can be installed by the homeowner. It takes several hours for the lift to be installed, but it does not take any special tools and requires only basic construction knowledge.

Staircases that are curved can not be outfitted with a stair lift quite as easily. This is because the track will have to be custom built in order to fit the staircase. The lift can not be easily installed either, so it will be necessary to have it professionally installed. The build time is much longer as well. From the time you order the lift, to the time that it is installed in your home can often take more than 3 months. For these reasons, it is usually preferable to install a residential elevator if your staircase is curved.

A new stair lift for a straight stairway is not very expensive, but it is possible to buy the lifts used and save even more money. If you do decide to go with a used lift, it is not a good idea to buy one from a private individual. This is because there is no way to guarantee that it will have been used properly or if it is in good condition. Instead you should find a dealer that offers used lifts. You will still save money, but you will be ensured that the lift is safe and in good condition. Before they sell the lift, the dealer completely checks it for mechanical wear and services it, so the lift you get is like new. They will also guarantee the lift for at least six months.